Maxence the Living Painting Part Two (special preview)

“If I try to picture it, it just gets to be too much.” I whimper into my knees as Maxence moves to hold me.

“How often have you had this nightmare, Haydee?” His tone is worried and frightened. “Why haven’t you told me?”

“I thought if I talked about it, it would be real! I didn’t want to remember it at all if I didn’t have to.” I cling to him, holding my face against his strong bicep. “It’s been about a month now since I could recall it. A little while longer since I started waking up scared.”

Maxence tightens his hold on me. “I’m so sorry, Haydee. I wish I had known.”

I lift my head and kiss him, just to feel something soft and assuring. 

List one thing you can taste.

One: Maxence.

“Oh crap, I’m sorry!” I gasp. “That must have tasted horrible.” I cup my hand over my mouth. “I should...I should brush my teeth.”

“It’s ok,” he chuckles softly. “Whatever makes you feel better.” He helps me stand up, although my legs do feel a bit weak.

I brush my teeth then see Maxence stripping naked. In certain light, I can still see brush strokes on his skin. In the way his dark body hair moves together, I can see the tiny flicks of precise lines. The shadows that drag from his body seem to shift with a different light and show the texture of canvas. 

Maxence turns and catches me staring. A sharp smile cuts across his face and he winks at me. “Come on, I’ll protect you.” He steps into the shower and combs his fingers through his hair as the hot water runs over him.

I take off my clothes and follow him inside, shutting the shower curtain behind us. Maxence pulls me against his chest. His lips press to the nape of my neck and his stubble tickles my skin. His palm rests against my hip, while the other covers my small chest.

“Are you alright?” He whispers to me.

“I will be.” I bring all my hair over my shoulder so he can kiss my neck more. “It’s just a dream.”

Maxence’s lips still and he makes a small sound in his throat. “It better be.” He takes a small step aside and then I feel the cold bar of soap at my back. He rubs the soap in, making my skin slippery and soft. His strong hands wrap around my chest and down my soft belly. 

“Your hands help,” I laugh softly. “They feel so good.”

“I’m glad.” He brings my back against his chest again. “What else can I do to comfort you, my Haydee?”